Winter is a busy season for us as we take a high number of calls from people whose furnaces have stopped working properly. Many times, the problem is due to a lack of regular furnace service and maintenance. To keep your furnace functioning well and warming your home, it’s imperative to have it maintained regularly. After maintenance, there are some symptoms you can look for that may suggest that it’s time to have your furnace serviced or replaced before it breaks down at the worst possible time.
Furnace Age
The anticipated lifespan of furnaces can vary on a variety of factors, but it’s not a bad idea to start furnace shopping now if your furnace is 15 years or older. It’s always good to have time to find the best furnace for your home instead of having to replace your furnace in an emergency situation.
Increased Gas or Electric Bills
If your utility bills are climbing, but you haven’t increased usage, it’s probably time for a furnace service appointment or possibly a replacement. As they age, furnaces lose efficiency. This happens more quickly to furnaces that haven’t been maintained properly. While you may think a new furnace will cost a lot, think of the money you’ll save over time on your utility bills.
More Frequent Furnace Repairs
Furnaces break down more frequently during the last two years of their lifespan. If it seems like you’re doing repair after repair, start adding up how much you’re spending. There’s a good chance a new system may be more cost effective.
Strange Noises
Is your furnace making unusual noises? Every so often, older furnaces start making strange noises when it’s time for replacement. Also, be aware if your furnace is cycling on and off repeatedly or blowing cold air. These are definitely symptoms that it’s time to shop for a replacement.
A Dry or Dusty Home
If your home starts to feel drier or family members start having allergy flare-ups, an older furnace could be to blame. It may not filter air enough, nor does it humidify the air. Other signs that your furnace isn’t filtering or humidifying air are dried out woodwork and static shocks.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may want to think about shopping for a new furnace. Call Street Heating and Cooling at 605-206-3915 and we can help you find the ideal system for your home.